DEGRAAF FAMILY

Super Sunday 2012

2012-02-08T10:08:00.000-08:00

Enjoyed watching the Giants beat the Patriots again in Super Bowl 46. We had all the boys over at Mom and Mel's house for the event. Legrand, David, Joe, and Steve with their families enjoyed wings and all kinds of food. The commercials were lacking creativity this year, but it seemed pets and babies were the theme. We all laughed pretty good at the M&M's commercial so I think that one would have to be the group favorite. I really liked the Dodge/Detroit halftime in america commercial even though I was surprised at how controversial it has seemed to be.

Your Thoughts?

Super Bowl Time, Feb. 5th 2012

2012-01-30T08:21:00.000-08:00

This year we will at Mom & Mel's house to celebrate our Super Bowl Family Tradition. The G-Men clash with the Patriots in a rematch of Superbowl XLII. The Giants pulled off the victory with an unbelievable drive capped off by one of the most famous plays in Superbowl History "The Helmet Catch." Unfortunately for our family our teams didn't fair to well and we will not have a house favorite in the big game. Green Bay was the favorite going into the playoffs, but couldn't get it done against the G-Men, and Joe's Broncos embarrassed themselves against the Patriots. As for Steve's Steelers? Well lets just say they got TEBOWED.

Kickoff is at 4:00 Mountain Time. See You There!

A Super Tradition

2012-01-30T08:16:00.000-08:00

Just doing some cleaning up on our website. These posts probably would fit better on our blog. I enjoyed reading about our past Super Bowl parties and I thought you would too.

2011 Super Bowl
Joey & Kristy hosted our Super Bowl tradition this year in their new house. Everyone had a great time cheering on the Steelers and Packers. These two classic franchises have been on the big stage more than any other combined teams. Our family was split as some are die hard Packers fans and some are unstoppible Steelers fans. We had a great time as the game was close and the food was good. The commercials left something to desire, hopefully they will be better next year. Packers won 31–25.

2010 Super Bowl
Unfortunately on the day of the Super Bowl Kristy wasn't having a good day. She had to be carried into Mom & Mel's house because she did something to her back that morning and couldn't get up. On top of that her Colts ended up losing to the Destined Saints. Poor Kristy didn't even get the popular vote in the room as most people were rooting for the Saints. I was split, I wanted to see Payton win another ring, but I also thought it would be cool to see the Saints go all the way since they have never won a Super Bowl. We just had the locals in attendance this year, I think next year it would be fun to have more of a showing from other family but I understand that it would be kind of crazy for most of the family to drive so far just for an American Iconic Holiday...

2009 Super Bowl
Well, you couldn't ask for a better game than the one that was played on Feb 1st. The family showed up just in time for kickoff and we were all glued to our seats for almost four hours. It seemed like every time we left to get a snack we missed a great play, but thanks to Mel's Digital Video Recorder we were able to rewind the T.V. and see it. In fact it was very handy for controversial plays that would get rewound again and again as each party would argue their position. That happened a few times. Most people in our family were rooting for the Cardinals as they had never been to the Super Bowl. Steve was the only person rooting for the Steelers, and rightly so as they are his favorite team. The commercials were standard this year with only a couple that got laughed at. The first one was a pepsi commercial that was so funny it got played a few times thanks to the dvr. The second funny commercial was nbc's laughing our butts off, that got the whole room laughing. The kids had fun playing with their toys and Dave, Stevie, and Cade played Halo all night.

Once again our traditional Super Bowl Party was a smash hit. Thanks everyone for coming.

Joey's Family Poem

2012-01-10T16:16:00.000-08:00

2011-04-07T15:41:00.000-07:00

So I just wanted to update everyone on what's been going on with my health. I have been to see many specialists and had many tests run all of which reveal that I have several polyps in my stomach and one in my duodenum. It was originally thought that the polyp in my small intestine was a larger mass, but the endoscopy revealed it is actually smaller than some of the ones in my stomach. None are cancerous, but they don't know what is causing my to get the little growths. I am now on a medicine that is giving me massive heartburn and acid reflux...why am I taking it, I don't know, they just said to to see what happens. The doctors are baffled, they said they've never seen this many stomach polyps at once and that they are rare in the first place. Go figure.....oh well, at least it's making me skinny. I have been cleared to exercise again though, so that's good.

I hope everyone else is staying healthy and love and miss you all. The family and I will be in Utah the Weekend of July 9th, so I hope I can see some of you then!

Love, Krissi

Joe's Christmas Poem 2010

2010-12-24T10:34:00.000-08:00

Well another decade is behind us now
And time flies faster every year somehow
It seems that when we get a handle on things
We stir up the pot and with that brings
Plenty of challenges and opportunities through the years
But we wouldn’t have it any other way, so here’s
To the next decade and though it will appear a mess
May it bring more joy, inspiration and a lot less stress.

Our jobs are the same, Joey is still at SUU
And Kristy with her day care, always has much to do

We added to our family, with a puppy in the spring,
At 10 months old we wonder if she will ever stop growing!
Kala’s a yellow lab, which gives us three pets in the home,
Every time we get one, Kristy rolls her eyes and groans.

Maren our youngest is growing and she is learning fast.
She is a momma’s girl, I wonder how long that will last.

Tyler has just turned 5 and he says he is a big boy now,
Just got to figure a way to get him out of our bed somehow.

Kelley is half way through second grade and doing lots of things,
She has tried piano, soccer, ballet, and she even sings!

Well once again we wish you all well,
Hope everything is going swell.

From our family in southern Utah where the rocks are always red,
To where ever your family may call home and rest your weary head,
We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
We hope magic filled your home and you could spread a little Cheer.

Love,

The DeGraafs

Pom Poms Up The Nose

2010-06-15T12:35:00.000-07:00

My son experimenting with his nostrils, decided that the craft pom poms my wife had for a day care project fit perfectly in his nose. Obviously he didn't think this one through and ended up in the doctors office.

Grandpa's Surprise Birthday Party

2010-04-01T17:01:00.000-07:00

We are having a surprise birthday party for Grandpa in Green River at the senior citizen's hall.

Saturday, April 10th at 4:00 p.m.

Be there or be square!

Theme Music For Dad

2010-02-26T10:16:00.000-08:00

So I am starting to collect content for dad's highlight movie to show at this up and coming reunion when I got to music. I started going through my music and remembering all the music that reminds me of dad. Then it hit me that my idea of what Dad liked to listen to is probably different then everyone else's. So here is the assignment. Please let me know off the top of your head what song makes you think of dad when you hear it... here are some classics we all can agree on. Please add some more and let me know.

Got to fly now (Theme from "Rocky")

East Bound And Down (Theme from "Smoky and the Bandit", Jerry Reed)

Take it Easy (The Eagles)

Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me (Elton John)

Don't Fall In Love With A Dreamer (Kenny Rogers)

Legs (ZZ Top)

Travelin' Man (Ricky Nelson)

Uptown Girl (Billy Joel)

Sail Away (Oak Ridge Boys)

New Photos Up on DeGraaf Site

2010-02-14T01:03:00.000-08:00

Hey, Just letting you know that I am continually expanding the website. I have just added a photo gallery of Dad when he was on his mission, go check it out!

Grandama's Photos

2010-02-04T21:27:00.001-08:00

Remember melon days and the slide show? Well I asked Aunt Connie if I could take the slides she used and digitize them...

A long 5 months later I was able to get them finished. Her is the link to the gallery. Feel free to download them, they should all be high quality and printable images. If you have any questions or problems getting them let me know.

http://gallery.me.com/joeyandkristy#100056

Five Fingers in Winter

2010-01-23T07:02:00.000-08:00

I took this picture this morning. Thought you might like it.

Cedar City Skies

2010-01-21T17:05:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite things about living in southern Utah is the skies. Every day it is different and some days they can be quite unbelievable. Here is a shot I took out of my office window one morning in October. I had never seen anything like this before.

Help

2009-12-29T16:13:00.000-08:00

If you boys could help with the moving of Grandma Gussie heavy pieces of furniture that would be a great thing. It would save Mel & Grandpa Rollie from doing it all alone. I am not sure when it going to be done, but it would be nice sense very one will be here on New years day if we could get some of it done then. Maybe between football games. Let me know. Thanks Mom

2009-12-29T15:59:00.000-08:00

About New Years Day,
I would like something light, maybe a veggey tray, ham, rolls, some of Steven's chili, some salads, chip & dip, you know that kind of stuff. We'll have everyone bring their own drinks. Mel and I will provide the ham & rolls, if the rest of you can bring something on this list or if you would like to bring something else that is fine. Just let me know whatever it is that you decide bringing, please.
Thanks love mom

New Years Day

2009-12-27T20:29:00.000-08:00

We're inviting all you children to the house to see the game, eat and play games.
Will give more details soon.

Grandma & Baby Maren

2009-12-20T22:24:00.000-08:00

Here is a picture for you mom, you can save the large version if you want. All you have to do is click on the image, then when it opens in a new window right click and save picture as. You should be able to specify where you want it saved.

Christmas Party at Steve and Dawn's

2009-12-20T22:13:00.000-08:00

Just some photos of the party at Dawn's. We had the youngest grandchildren there and got a shot of them together. The girls had a great time decorating cookies and we all had dinner together. Mom, Mel, Joe and Dave's families were all in attendance. Thanks dawn for doing this it was nice for us all to get together.

Katie Maren DeGraaf

2009-12-18T11:38:00.001-08:00

More photos and the story on our family blog: life on an old sheep field (www.joeykristyandkids.blogspot.com)

GI Joe's on Safari

2009-12-02T07:51:00.000-08:00

Emily sent this photo to me and I thought it was hilarious. Who ever set this photo up has seen a lot of hunting photos in his day. I thought of Mel immediately after looking at this, Mom you need to show it to him.

Need help from our Cedar Boys.

2009-11-04T09:24:00.000-08:00

Mel really need your help before this week end with the fencing and there is a big cherry tree that needs to be cut down soon. It will also give you time to send with your Grandpa. He is back for a few days.
Love Mom

Kelley's first time up on water skis

2009-09-27T21:24:00.000-07:00

Kelley, only six years old got up on this moon board, I would have never guessed she would be brave enough to try it, but after seeing someone her age do it she decided to give it a whirl.

The Government Can!

2009-09-09T14:46:00.000-07:00

A Call for Photos

2009-09-09T13:03:00.000-07:00

I am working on a slide show for Grandma Jean at Melon Days. If you have photos to contribute please email me, minimum size is 640 x 480 pixels. I need them by September 15th.

joey@degraaf-fam.us

Also if you have suggestions for songs (or an mp3 to send me) feel free to do so.

Thanks,

Joey

Mom's Phone is Working

2009-09-01T09:16:00.000-07:00

About yesterday about 8 pm Mom called me to tell me her land line is now working. The latest news is the fire was threatening homes in the south Monday, but crews were able to save them. As of now only 2 houses are confirmed to be total losses, with one or two that have had damage. Many other structures have been lost, I am not sure how many at this point. My photos will be up at 1 pm today.

New Harmony Fire Latest

2009-08-31T15:11:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone, I just got back from New Harmony this morning. Here is what I witnessed the past couple of days:

Saturday Night: Aug, 29

I arrived after all the major drama, including a fire wall that was around 200 yards from my parents house. When I got there it was dark. At that time there were over 100 trucks in the town and I could see about 20 of them on the west side of our property. In fact we had a truck and hoses all over our property on 325 n. just north of the main town. The shots Kristy posted were taken as soon as I got to our house. They were taken west and south looking at the mountain. We stayed up until about 1:00 am that night making sure to watch for hot spots.

Sunday: Aug, 30

When we woke we saw the smoke settle down and surprisingly all of the houses on the mountain were saved, the fire burned all the vegetation right up to their foundations. You could see damage to the exterior of some of the houses, but the structures looked in tact. We couldn't believe our eyes, from what it looked like through the night we thought those homes were lost for sure. There were a lot of brave firefighters who deserve some recognition for saving those homes. The big tankers flew in as the wind died down in the morning and we sat on our porch and watched them dump thousands of gallons of fire retardant on what was left of the mountain. From our view the massive amounts of water and retardant being poured on the mountain looked like a few drops sprinkled on a camp fire. It made me wonder if it was even worth them doing what they were doing. We watched the fire rise up to the top of the mountain and by the evening the fire had peaked. That night it stared back down the mountain. As we watched the flames consume whole valleys and flames that must have been over 500 feet tall come back down the mountain we became alarmed and started packing up our stuff to be ready if an evacuation was called for.

Monday: Aug 31

When we woke the fire fighters had held the fire from reaching the town again. The category one team was ready to take over, and the mountain was covered in smoke. I couldn't tell where the fire was, I couldn't see many flames. The smoke in the valley was not too bad, and I am not sure how much of it will remain in the houses due to the perpetual campfire smell both in and out of our house.

I have to many photos to post, so I am going to post them tomorrow on a gallery which at that time I will include a link. Mom and Mel are still there and I am sure Mom will keep us posted when she gets her computer back up. Feel free to call me with any questions.

Thanks,

Joey

New Harmony Fire

2009-08-30T09:30:00.000-07:00

We didn't lose our house, it's still stands

Bowen James DeGraaf

2009-08-18T22:07:00.000-07:00

Introducing Bowen James DeGraaf at 2 1/2 hours old.

Jenna said she could see the baby had David's upper lip from the ultrasound.

click on the image for a larger view

Baby

2009-08-18T15:46:00.000-07:00

David and Jenna are now proud parents.
He was born at 3:47 and was 8lbs 8oz and 20 1/2 inches long.

Fun with Grandma Jean

2009-08-18T14:58:00.000-07:00

To all my children. This year at melon days we are going to have memories of having fun with Grandma Jean. Please write a short story of something fun that you did with her.

Garden

2009-08-10T17:12:00.000-07:00

To my children,
I have squash and cucumbers that need to be eaten. Please come get some.

Summer Happenings

2009-07-29T22:58:00.000-07:00

Our Yard is nearly complete. For those who haven't seen the transition you should check out our blog at www.joeyandkristy.blogspot.com there is a link over on the left. I am happy with how well the garden has been growing. At first I was concerned it wasn't going to get that big. It appears that my fears were not warranted.

This summer has bee full of fun, last weekend we went to the Bees game in salt lake. I always enjoy going on the 24th so we can watch fire works in the outfield. The grass at that stadium is so plush, it feels like a soft carpet. I love to lay on it and feel the blades through my fingers. The fire works were good too, but not as good as the Utah Summer Games fireworks in Cedar.

I am excited for the school year to start because I get to shoot football. This year SUU plays some power house teams like San Diego State. The season opener is going to be against Dixie. I hope cedar comes in force, it should be a great game. My prediction is SUU 55, Dixie 0.

This blog was actually posted by joey

#17 Grandchild

2009-05-19T13:05:00.000-07:00

Joey and Kristy would like to announce that we will be having grandchild #17 right behind David and Jenna. Because Dave and Jenna are having a boy, Joey would like to see the family have a boy too. He is out voted in his family though as all members but him want to have a girl. At this point they are not sure what they are having because she is not as sick as she was with Kelley, but she is more sick than with Tyler. The baby is due on the 22nd of December, because of this Joey and Kristy have decided to have Christmas at home this year. They have chosen not to know what they are having until the baby is born.

Christmas lights

2009-04-30T14:47:00.000-07:00

I am getting rid of all my white icicle lights. If any of you want them let me know ASP.
Mom

The yard

2009-04-21T13:50:00.000-07:00

Thought I would give everyone an update on the yard. The rock wall is in between the garage, the house and in front of the house. Most of the fencing is in and the guys are working on the pond.
Also Mel will be leaving for his hunt in Alaska on Sunday, April 26.
That is what is happening with us.
Mom

Kaitlyn Newest Member of the Church (In our family)

2009-04-14T11:49:00.001-07:00

For those who missed it, Kaitlyn was baptised on Saturday, April 11, 2009. She looked so cute in her white jumpsuite and her hair back in braids. The spirit was definitely present as we whitnessed the ordinance preformed by her dad. Congratulations Kaitlyn!

San Diego Trip

2009-03-23T09:19:00.000-07:00

We had so much fun in San Diego. We left Cedar just after 3 AM on Friday morning and drove straight to SD. We then parked at Mission Bay for a while to wait for Marijean. It was funny to discover that quite by accident Kelley and Tyler had coordinating sunglasses and PJ's (Tinkerbell and Cars). After that is when the adventure began. I swear we have never had such bad luck getting lost in our lives! First off we couldn't find a fast food place for anything. Seriously in a major metropolitan area you would think it would be fairly easy. Well it took us 45 minutes to finally find a Wendy's. Then we discovered it was literally just down the street from Sea World.

Sea World was great. Kelley's favorite was the sea stars, sea lions and the cotton candy (it was one of the major reasons she was looking forward to this). Tyler loved the whales, dolphins and indoor aquariums.

Of course we missed the turn off to I15 back to our hotel, so major detour there. Saturday we spent the morning at the beach. The kids LOVED it. We sat and ate lunch on the beach while the kids played. As soon as we got up to go play with them Tyler flattened onto the ground, expecting to be buried. You can tell we've been to the beach before. They'll be bugging us all summer to go back to Quail Reservoir I'm sure :)

That afternoon our cousin Jenny and her husband and kids were sealed in the SD Temple. It was so nice and we were so happy to be there for them. That temple is so beautiful inside if you ever get a chance to go!

We ended the day (of course) getting lost on the way to the restaurant. We didn't get lost really...just followed the Google Map, instead of going to where we already knew it was. Gee Whiz! Last on the agenda was Thrifty's Ice Cream. When Joe was a kid growing up in Long Beach his dad would always take the family out for FHE and then they would go for a walk. Ah memories...

Sunday we took our time coming back. We found a ward close to the hotel and attended Sacrament meeting there. Then we decided to try and find this great beach we had found in October. Amazingly enough we drove right to it. The kids were disappointed when we didn't get the swimsuits on...but Kelley still declared it was the best Sunday ever. They loved the seals on the beach and I got a sample of this really cool sand on Shell Beach. It's kind of a tradition for us to grab sand from the beaches we visit and I kicked myself last year when I didn't get any.

After this we drove up to Costa Mesa, visited Ansje's, Opoe and Opa's grave, and on to Long Beach, past the house and school where Joe grew up. Another detour in Hemmit to visit Jenny, Emilee, Sarah and family it was way fun to see all the little cousins. Then back home...finally at 2 AM. Joe was very sweet to drive most of the way so I wouldn't be tired the next day. Fun times for the DeGraafs. Now...when can we get back to Disneyland????

LeGrand Coming Home

2009-03-02T07:51:00.000-08:00

LeGrand is coming down from Salt Lake for the weekend. He will be here on the 5th and leave on the 8th. Hope everyone that is around can see him.

Kaden Rocks!

2009-02-25T08:53:00.000-08:00

So last night Marijean came over with Kaden, and he has grown! He loves to tackle and dance, so we spent an hour with Kaden, Tyler, and Kelley just horsing around. We had some mishaps as Kaden and Tyler smacked heads, but they both were okay. Infact it was kind of funny, Kaden totally took out Tyler when he wasn't looking and Tyler started to cry, after Kaden saw this he went to his mom and started crying. After the tackling-fest we put on some music and the kids showed off their moves.

Super Bowl ends with a Super Finish

2009-02-02T07:51:00.000-08:00

Well, you couldn't ask for a better game than the one that was played on Feb 1st. The family showed up just in time for kickoff and we were all glued to our seats for almost four hours. It seemed like every time we left to get a snack we missed a great play, but thanks to Mel's Digital Video Recorder we were able to rewind the T.V. and see it. In fact it was very handy for controversial plays that would get rewound again and again as each party would argue their position. That happened a few times. Most people in our family were rooting for the Cardinals as they had never been to the Super Bowl. Steve was the only person rooting for the Steelers, and rightly so as they are his favorite team. The commercials were standard this year with only a couple that got laughed at. The first one was a pepsi commercial that was so funny it got played a few times thanks to the dvr. The second funny commercial was nbc's laughing our butts off, that got the whole room laughing. The kids had fun playing with their toys and Dave, Stevie, and Cade played Halo all night.

Once again our traditional Super Bowl Party was a smash hit. Thanks everyone for coming.

Heart Beat

2009-01-22T20:59:00.000-08:00

David and Jenna announced today that they were able to hear their baby's heart beat. A small reward for Jenna's morning sickness for the past month. Apparently she isn't feeling so good. Just thought you guys would like to know.

Marijean Cuts Hair for Charity

2009-01-20T13:43:00.000-08:00

Marijean got a chance to do some good with her company Sport Clips a few weeks ago. She wanted me to let you know that she had a blast meeting some of the NHL Mighty Ducks and helping in the cause they were donating to. Here is the link:

http://www.ocregister.com/photos/pahlsson-parros-play-2274294-hair-power/pid2274295

Scott and Kristeina's Poem

2009-01-06T00:34:00.001-08:00

Hello and Merry Christmas to our friends and family across the nation!
We hope this news finds you well and in the Spirit of His Celebration!
Snow is falling in Yosemite, that’s where we’ll start our tale today.
Scott and Jackson are warm and cozy in the fifth-wheel where they stay.

Scott’s been commuting five days a week but this job isn’t so intense.
It just leaves little time for projects like the big dog fence.
His request to take Jackson along was a hard pill for mom to take.
It’s working really well for now and it’s good for both their sakes.

Jackson is enjoying pre-school, and being dad’s little helper,
Is very good at circle time and does his best to control his temper.
He looks forward to the time he shares with mom and brothers,
His favorite game is shooting hoops, but is good at many others.

A.J. is still the charismatic wonder; he always makes a good impression.
He loves to draw and tell us tales, with lots of passionate expression!
His high scores on the gate test say he’s quite precocious.
Math comes really easy for him, but his spelling is atrocious!

Zac has learned the Trumpet and he’s quite a prodigy.
He still loves his video games, in his mind they’re a priority.
He’s doing well in school and his teacher is impressed,
That he can read his book all day and still score so high on tests.

Kris helped with the big school carnival and is glad that it is done.
She works with dear friends of hers, is glad her job is fun!
The Savior of the World Production was performed by our tri-stakes.
She volunteered her service and their make-up sure looked great!

Our family is growing, not in number but in ways that count.
Even Phudge (our crazy dog) has grown up a great amount.
We have all adjusted to what life has brought our way,
But look forward to a time where in one place we’ll always stay.

We are realizing this life is not about the economy or war,
It’s making sure we live each day a little better than before.
So during this time of year that we reflect on our Savior’s Birth,
We hope that you can find peace, on Your little slice of earth.

Love,
The Wolfert Family,
Scott, Kris, Zachery, A.J., Jackson and Phudge

Joe & Kristy's Christmas Poem

2008-12-30T11:39:00.000-08:00

My husband is very talented in many ways and this is one of them. He wrote this over the course of an hour or two on Christmas Eve and I didn't even have to spell check it! Hope you enjoy!

Twas the night before Christmas
As I write this letter
My family thought I couldn't get this done,
But I'll show them better.

It still isn't Christmas yet
just a few hours to go,
I'm writing next to the fire
As snow falls out the window.

The kids are excited
As Santa's drawing near,
It's going to be a chore
Getting them to bed I fear.

The family's getting bigger
With a new puppy named Koko,
She's tearing up the backyard toys
And driving mom loco.

Kristy is running the daycare at home,
She loves spending time with the little ones
Joey's still working at SUU
Having fun and bringing in the funds (actually I think Kristy still makes more than me).

Kelley started kindergarten this year,
She really likes school.
Tyler spending the day playing trains and cars
And thinks he's super cool.

Well again we leave you our poem
On this most holy of nights.
Hope to see you soon,
We'll leave on the lights.

But if not, we hope this letter
Finds you and your kin
Happy, healthy, harmonious
And don't forget to grin.

For on this night the reindeer fly
And the fat man rides again.

Love,
Joey, Kristy, Kelley and Tyler

Salt Lake Trip

2008-11-18T16:38:00.000-08:00

Mel & I made a trip up to Salt Lake last week. Took our antlers up to the taxidermist, met with LeGrand & took him to dinner, we had a nice visit. Pick up some bee stuff, Mel is going to start working with be hives. Went to Direct Buy & ordered our living room furniture & our kitchenette furniture. So we will have some furniture for anyone that needs dome or want it. Just let me know.

We wish every one a Happy Thanks Giving.
Love Mom & Mel

Wolferts Go to SFO

2008-10-31T01:30:00.000-07:00

We took a trip to SFO in August. It was great! We saw the Packers play at Candlestick against the 49rs for a preseason game, we drove thru town, walked around downtown and went to an old 50's style diner that was upstairs! We did some shopping, saw the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz- From a safe distance of course. Oh ya, we even saw a Costco container ship. Good thing there is always Costco!

October

2008-10-22T08:51:00.000-07:00

Just got back from San Diego and a very eventful month is starting to slow down a bit before halloween thank goodness. Thought I would share some news. The end of September was marked with the harvesting of two bucks. I shot my first deer and it was very exciting, and two days later Mom shot her deer which we had to track for the whole day before we found it. It was a lesson in perseverance but we were able to recover it. I was able to try and gut this deer, but needed a lot of help.

We spend most of the month canning and freezing vegetables and fruit. We canned peaches, applesauce, and dried apples. We have done more this year than we ever had. It feels really cool to be more self reliant, even though with out Mom and Mel's help we wouldn't be close to where we are now. Thanks Mom & Mel!

David, Jenna, Kristy, and I left for Southern California last week with out the kids and had a good time doing grown up things sort of. It was fun to play without the kids even though we missed them. We went to Universal Studios, the San Diego Temple, San Diego Harbor, and Disneyland. We saw MJ on sunday when we went to church with her. She seemed to be doing fine. We also got to see Aunt Helen's daughter Janice, and it was fun talking with her after church. Apparently MJ has been hanging out with Ray Christiansen which has been fun for her.

Well if you want to see some california pics, go to my profile page and check out our blog. Otherwise hopefully some day I will get our web page updated.

Chow for now,

Joey

Cute Hair...thanks to Jenna!

2008-09-25T22:14:00.000-07:00

Kelley got her hair cut a few weeks ago! It is so super cute. I was going to get my hair cut and she said "I don't want to get my hair cut like yours...because then I wouldn't look like me!" I told her that was fine and I knew she wanted to grow her hair out, but I thought she's like it shorter and it would be way cute. Anyway, my sister took the kids while I was there and then brought them in at the end. Kelley then said she wanted it cut. I asked if she was sure and we went out to lunch to make sure she had time to think about it. She was sure. And she had enough to donate to Pantene Beautiful Lengths (they do wigs for cancer patients.) I've waited to post because I keep trying to remember to get a better picture, but haven't been able to yet...so this is the best it gets. She LOVES it! She tells everyone "It's so easy to comb and so easy to fix". Long hair gets tangled easily. Anyway, I love it too...it's so much easier for mom! But I have to say, I'm a bit jealous. All I have to do is blow dry hers and it's perfectly in place and bouncy and cute. Where did that come from? My hair certainly doesn't behave like that...

2008-09-22T13:03:00.000-07:00

Hey Guys thought you might like to know how my velociraptor wrestling skills are.

I could survive for 1 minute, 9 seconds

Zion NP with Ernie

2008-09-03T16:51:00.000-07:00

Ernest and Lauren came down last weekend and we had a blast going down the West Rim in Zion National Park. The whole group consisted of Ernie, Lauren (Ernesto's wife), Ryan (Kristy's brother), Misty (Ryan's Wife), Kristy and I. The hike is 14 miles—although it felt more like 16—it was the first time most of of had backpacked that far. We saw some spectacular scenery and enjoyed the time to get to know each other better. We have a whole gallery of photos you can check out online if you have high speed internet at http://gallery.me.com/benedictkristy#100017.

Gardening

2008-08-24T08:31:00.000-07:00

This year Mom and Mel gave us a few rows in their garden to plant for our selves. It has been quite the experience going out there at least once a week to weed and take care of it. We have been busy this past week harvesting corn, green beans, squash, and raspberries. It has been a challenge getting out to New Harmony, but in the end it has been a nice learning experience. Thanks Mom and Mel for getting up in the middle of the night to water for us!

Eat Abba-Zabbas!

2008-08-19T16:10:00.000-07:00

I asked the lady at our candy store to stock abba-zabbas and she did. I was so excited until today I found out I am the only one at SUU that eats them. She is going to discontinue them when they expire. She commented that one person other than me had tried one and said she didn't like it. What is up with that, it's peanut butter for cryin' out loud!

2008-08-11T14:13:00.000-07:00

Had a great time at Wood Badge last week. I left on monday to Thunder Ridge for a whole week and learned how to be a better scout leader. I have made a whole bunch of new friends! It was quite interesting learning about communication, project management, and team building. I wish everyone had a chance to go through the course. I think it would help every person to learn the things I did. One of the things that helped me most was coming closer to God.

Check out the picks on my web page when I get them.

Joey

Family Reunion Was a Big Success

2008-07-17T08:42:00.000-07:00

Hey thanks everyone for the wonderful time at our family reunion. Here is the family photo. I will have a printable download available soon on the homepage. I have made the change to have our blog on blogger.com, now you can simply update us without contacting me. Be careful what you say though as we have family members that wish to be left confidential. If I don't already, I will have the website up to date soon.

Welcome

2008-02-21T20:42:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the new degraaf-fam blog. I have decided to have the blog hosted by blogger, so those of you who are computer savvy can simply write your own blog and we all can make comments. If you are reading this you have received an invitation to join and contribute. Hope to hear from you soon!

Joey